Renewable Rides

Can one person truly make a difference in the fight against climate change? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Dieterich, a Corporate Sustainability Expert, who shares inspiring stories from his global travels and groundbreaking work, including leading the Zero Carbon North American Roadmap at AstraZeneca. With a career that spans government startups and corporate sustainability initiatives, Mike offers a systems-based approach to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and explains what sustainability means in the built environment.

Mike delves into how we can leverage parts of the problem as part of the solution and offers practical advice for individuals looking to reduce their environmental impact without breaking the bank. He also explores the concept of resilience at a local level, the importance of smart grids, and how migrating to green power can not only benefit the planet but also save money. This episode will equip you with actionable steps and the mindset needed to create meaningful environmental change in your own community.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• What Mike is most passionate about.
• How Mike got to this point in his career.
• How to create change in the system.
• What sustainability means in the built environment.
• How to start conversations about the environment.
• Advice for those wanting to mitigate their impact on the climate.
• How you can make changes that don’t break your budget.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Mike Dieterich: LinkedIn
• TED Talks
• A Zero Energy, Water, Waste Future | Mike Dieterich
• The Time to RISE | Mike Dieterich
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3cbh8x34 

How do we tackle the monumental challenge of decarbonizing the real estate industry, which contributes a large percentage of global emissions? In this episode, Brendan Wallace, co-founder and CEO of Fifth Wall, breaks down the $18 trillion question: how do we transition real estate to a more sustainable future? Brendan explains the intersection of real estate, technology, and energy, highlighting the progress being made and the challenges that lie ahead.

You’ll learn about the importance of turning buildings into energy producers, the role of data centers in the energy transition, and why decarbonizing real estate is not just an environmental necessity, but also a financial opportunity. Get a glimpse of how the future of energy innovation is unfolding within real estate and why property owners need to think more strategically about sustainability.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• Why decarbonizing real estate will cost $18 trillion in the US alone.
• The role of real estate owners in becoming energy producers.
• The growing demand for onsite renewable energy systems.
• How data centers are driving innovation in clean energy.
• Why sustainability is becoming a competitive advantage in real estate.
• The financial benefits of investing in energy efficiency for property owners.
• How real estate regulation is pushing decarbonization efforts.
• The future of grid-independent energy production in real estate.
• Why real estate needs to embrace technology to stay competitive.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Brendan Wallace: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yp8yucvz 

Today Calvin Fine, Head of Market Operations at VECKTA, joins us to explain how businesses are rethinking their relationships with utilities and the strategic options available for energy procurement. You'll learn how the rise of battery energy storage systems and renewable energy is empowering companies to move beyond traditional utility dependency. We discuss how energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and reliability concerns are driving businesses to explore new solutions like solar and storage systems.

Calvin also sheds light on why energy has transformed from a bottleneck to a strategic asset for many businesses. With increasing utility costs and pressure to meet sustainability targets, companies now have more choices in their energy sourcing. Discover how procurement teams can create value, reduce costs, and take control of their energy strategy by partnering with the right suppliers and leveraging emerging technologies.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• How procurement teams think about energy and utility relationships.
• The rise of battery energy storage systems as an alternative to utilities.
• Why energy is evolving from a bottleneck to a strategic conversation for businesses.
• How solar and storage solutions can reduce costs and provide energy independence.
• The impact of rising utility costs and greenhouse gas pressures on energy decisions.
• Why procurement teams are crucial allies in strategic energy planning.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Calvin Fine: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4h46vy6b  

What do the Olympics have in common with the energy transition? In this episode, we draw compelling parallels between Olympic athletes’ commitment to their sport and the effort businesses must put into achieving sustainability goals. You’ll learn how the pursuit of operational resilience through energy innovation can be just as demanding and rewarding as training for Olympic gold.

We’ll explore how companies can meet rising energy demands, especially when incorporating advanced technologies like robotics and AI, and why relying solely on the grid is risky. Listen in to discover the key benefits of investing in onsite renewable energy systems and how they contribute to long-term business success.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• How the Olympics are similar to achieving corporate sustainability goals.
• Why operational resilience is like winning a gold medal for businesses.
• Where onsite renewable energy systems can solve grid reliability issues.
• How AI and robotics impact energy demand in businesses.
• Why investing in renewable energy systems benefits long-term business success.
• What net zero and carbon neutrality mean for your company’s energy strategy.
• Why relying on the grid is risky when scaling operations.
• Where companies can reduce costs through energy system revamps.
• How the energy transition offers major opportunities for businesses.
• Why training like an Olympic athlete mirrors preparing for the energy transition.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yskypfu4 

How can sustainability drive both environmental and business success? In this episode, Kristen Siemen, Chief Sustainability Officer at General Motors, shares insights on how GM is integrating sustainability into their core business strategy. Discover how GM is tackling Scope 3 emissions by not just focusing on electric vehicles, but also ensuring that the electricity powering these vehicles comes from renewable sources. Learn about GM's approach to working with suppliers and stakeholders to achieve shared sustainability goals and how the company’s culture and commitment to continuous improvement drive their long-term success.

Listen in to understand how you can apply these principles to your own business and why sustainability isn’t just an option but a strategic imperative. Kristen’s insights offer a roadmap for balancing environmental responsibility with business profitability, showing that progress is made through continuous efforts rather than waiting for perfection.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• How Kristen got involved in sustainability.
• The importance of collaboration.
• How GM tackles Scope 3 emissions with electric vehicles and renewable energy.
• The importance of working with suppliers to meet sustainability goals.
• How to engage stakeholders in sustainability efforts.
• Why continuous improvement and goal-setting matter for success.
• How GM’s company culture supports its sustainability strategy.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Kristen Siemen: LinkedIn
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3m5yjsdm 

How do you ensure you're getting the best value from your suppliers? In today's episode, we dive into the crucial role of supplier diversity and the importance of driving competition when bringing a project to market. We’ll explore the latest customer insights, discuss the impact of regional players and suppliers, and uncover strategies related to equipment and labor that can significantly affect project outcomes. 

You’ll learn about the importance of aligning with suppliers who match your internal metrics and how incentives and grants can give one supplier an edge over another. Listen in as we share practical advice and real-life situations that demonstrate how driving competition can lead to substantial cost savings. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to understand your market position and make strategic decisions that benefit your bottom line. 

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• What customers think about when buying an energy system.
• Why it’s important to expand the pool of suppliers.
• The importance of understanding your position in the market.
• How to drive competition and opportunity in the market.
• Why driving competition is important.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/mry9uehc 

Curious about the best way to finance your onsite energy systems? In this episode, we explore the crucial decision between self-financing and debt financing, breaking down the benefits, risks and key considerations for each option. You’ll gain valuable insights into whether it’s better to own your energy systems outright or let someone else take on the ownership—and what that means for your business.

Listen in as we dive into the different financing mechanisms available, from loans and capital leases to PPAs and REAP grants, all while addressing the essential questions every business leader should ask before making this strategic decision. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for financing your energy projects, ensuring predictable costs and reliable inputs for your business. Don't miss this opportunity to make informed, impactful decisions that could shape your company's financial future!

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• The three primary paths to financing an onsite energy system
• The benefits, risks and key considerations of each financing option
• The three questions business leaders need to ask to determine which financing mechanism is ideal
• How tax credits work
• How to take advantage of REAP grants

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/hfd9azpj

Now that we’ve designed the right onsite energy system, how do we buy them from developers and contractors? This is a crucial topic for business leaders who want to harness the power of onsite energy. Choosing the wrong contractors could have a very damaging effect on your progress and implementation, so listen in to hear about how you can get multiple quotes, manage risks, and ensure that you’re getting a competitive deal.

If you want to ensure you get a solution that matches your criteria for success and delivers value in the long term, we have important tips to share to help you do just that. Don’t miss our advice on selecting the most qualified contractors and why it’s so important not to take shortcuts in this area of the process. We will give you a step-by-step plan to ensure you are getting the best bids and, ultimately, making the best decisions for your facility.


What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: 

• How to prepare for a successful partnership.
• Why running a competitive process is important to finding the right fit.
• How to set expectations and ensure you get the best contractors to choose from.
• The best ways to pre-qualify contractors and evaluate bids.
• Tips for meeting suppliers and using a marketplace platform.
  
  

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3s5jmkmb

Are you one of the many people who want to understand heat pumps? We've heard plenty of our customers express their pain points surrounding industrial energy and how they want to learn more about heat pumps, so today, we are joined by Arun Gupta, Founder and CEO of Skyven Technologies. Arun is here to shed light on solving industrial heat issues, how heat pumps work, and more.

Listen in as he breaks down the basics of the Skyven Arcturus steam-generating heat pump, as well as its various industrial applications. You'll learn the financial benefits of using heat pumps, what made Arun pivot away from solar thermal, and tips for business leaders on how to handle the challenges that can come with implementing energy efficiency measures.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• The problem with industrial heat and how Arun went about finding a solution.
• Why he pivoted away from solar thermal and into more energy efficiency as a service.
• What they discovered when looking into efficiencies that manufacturers are deploying.
• Introduction of Skyven's steam-generating heat pump.
• Efficiency and financial benefits of using heat pumps over natural gas
• Advice for business leaders on decarbonization and cost management

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Arun Gupta: LinkedIn
• Skyven Technologies
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn

VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2pa5v2yb

Are you struggling to engage stakeholders effectively in your projects? In this episode of our pain point series, we tackle the crucial topic of engaging stakeholders and how early conversations with internal stakeholder groups can streamline your process. We’ll share real-world examples, such as a project that faced months of delays due to the need to integrate union labor, and an aerospace firm that lost nearly $2 million in value due to misalignment among senior leadership. By engaging the right stakeholders early, you'll learn who needs to be involved, what they need to know, and how to get them engaged to prevent setbacks.

Listen in as we discuss key moments in the project procurement process where scope alignment is essential among stakeholders. Misalignment, indecision, and frequent changes can drag out the procurement process and increase costs. Understand the importance of involving finance, sustainability, and legal teams early in the process to ensure smooth execution and avoid unexpected rejections or missed considerations.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• How to engage the right stakeholders across the board.
• Who needs to be involved in your project.
• Why you should get other people involved in your project.
• The importance of getting finance involved early.
• When sustainability should be considered in these projects.
• Why legal must be involved in the execution.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yc76u858